Project insights: an exciting time in the energy space
The renewable energy transition underway interstate is Tasmania’s biggest opportunity to propel its economy forward since the pioneering days of The Hydro.
The foreparents of The Hydro schemes do and should stand proud about building inter-generational developments for Tasmania and Australia.
Their legacy is one of punching above their weight – they delivered outstanding engineering with world-class transmission systems, efficiently connecting our power stations to towns and cities.
We are now perched to build the next inter-generational energy assets, underpinned by Hydro’s generation and storage and unlocked by Marinus Link.
Through Marinus Link, all Tasmanians will reap rewards from trading renewable energy with the rest of Australia – Victoria has abundant solar power, which Tasmania does not have. Tasmania has abundant hydropower, which Victoria does not have. But what are the benefits of trading our energy?
During the day, when it’s sunny, Tasmania can import and use solar power from interstate: the cheapest form of energy. This saves valuable hydropower for later.
In the mornings and evenings, when the sun isn’t shining, Tasmania’s hydropower becomes a premium product. This is when Tasmania sells interstate.
Tasmania ends up with more cheap energy and gets much more value out of every hydropower drop – these benefits go right back to Tasmanians, who are the owners of The Hydro.
Tasmanians can be proud to trade in energy, just as we are proud to trade our apples and wine.
We hope you enjoy our latest community update and the warmer weather that is ahead of us. We’ll be out in the community throughout Spring participating in all the great community events the region has to offer.
– we hope to see you there!
Major converter and cable contracts signed
Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) has selected Hitachi Energy to supply the project’s converter stations.
Hitachi’s high voltage direct current (HVDC) Light® voltage source converter (VSC) stations will be constructed at each end of Marinus Link. They will convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for efficient, long-distance transmission and DC to AC to be transmitted back to the grid. They will convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for efficient, long-distance transmission between the grid in Tasmania and Victoria.
Tasmania’s converter station will be located on the corner of the Bass Highway and Minna Road in Heybridge, Tasmania.
Many local jobs across multiple industries will be created during the construction of the converter station.
MLPL has also executed a major contract with Prysmian to supply the project’s HVDC cables.
The contract ensures the design, manufacture, supply and installation for Stage 1, a 750 megawatt HVDC cable system.
Prysmian is the largest cable manufacturer in the world, with proven expertise in delivering projects like Marinus Link.
During Marinus Link’s construction phase, Prysmian’s cabling vessel will gently lower the cable onto the seafloor along the cable route.
Once on the seafloor, the cables will need to be protected from anchors and fishing activities. To protect the cables, they will be buried in the sandy seabed up to depths of 1.5 metres using a subsea jet trencher.
Marinus Link’s cables span 345 kilometres (km). This includes 255 km of undersea cables across Bass Strait and 90 km of underground cables in Gippsland, Victoria.
Welcome, new team members!
We welcome Wynta and Ken, our two new Community Engagement Specialists based on the North West Coast.
Wynta Noseda, based on King Island, has a rich background in consulting and working with communities on environmental issues. She’s keenly aware of how essential Marinus Link is in creating opportunities for young people in North West Tasmania and the pivotal role it will play in helping Tasmania achieve its 200% renewable energy target. Wynta also recognises that by trading renewable energy, Marinus Link will enable Tasmanians to benefit from decades of hydro development, leading to more State revenue for improved services like health, education, and housing.
Ken brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Tasmania’s unique landscape, especially in the North West. Through his extensive work with local business owners and the broader community, Ken is acutely aware of the critical need for increased power capacity to support business expansion, job creation, and training opportunities in the region. He also understands how Marinus Link can position Tasmanian businesses favourably in global markets. With a strong track record in community engagement and business management, Ken is a valuable addition to our team.
Burnie City Council Consultation Day
On Saturday, 24 August, Marinus Link hosted a stall at the Burnie City Council Consultation Day. Engagement team members Wynta and Ken interacted with the local community in a lively and welcoming atmosphere; no doubt sweetened by the cupcakes and coffee cart provided by Burnie City Council!
With an estimated 400 attendees, our stand drew significant interest, with around 100 people stopping by to ask questions and learn more about the project. The day provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the community, address their questions and share information about Marinus Link. We look forward to many more North West community events ahead of us as the weather warms up!
JackJumpers visit the North West Coast
In late August, Marinus Link had the pleasure of hosting Tasmania’s champion NBL team the JackJumpers at two events on the North West coast.
The day kicked off with a visit to Indie School Devonport, where star player Milton Doyle captivated students with his personal journey and the secrets behind his success. The students were eager to engage, asking plenty of questions and snapping numerous photos with Milton.
The day continued with a local business networking lunch in Ulverstone, where members of Business Northwest had the opportunity to connect with and hear from the JackJumpers’ Head Coach, Scott Roth. Known for his motivational speaking, Scott shared valuable insights on cultivating a winning team culture in the workplace, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
A big thank you to Business Northwest and the JackJumpers for contributing to a memorable day on the North West coast.
A Beacon of inspiration for the next generation
Throughout August, members from our engagement team participated in three mentoring programs at schools across North West Tasmania. Facilitated by the Beacon Foundation, these programs are designed to empower Year 9 and 10 students to think about their futures and help them confidently promote their abilities to potential employers.
During the program, students were guided through the process of crafting a mock elevator pitch and developing a list of thoughtful questions for the visiting industry volunteers. With the support of three MLPL staff members and our wonderful volunteers, students from Yolla District School, Burnie High School, and Sheffield School had the unique opportunity to ask pressing career-related questions and receive valuable interview tips and tricks.
We’ll be back mentoring the next generation in September with programs planned for the Parklands, Penguin and Devonport high schools.
The MLPL team had a great time visiting the schools and look forward to what comes next for these students!
I saw the sign!
As you travel the Bass Highway, you will now see a new sign indicating how Marinus Link’s Heybridge converter station site will look once construction is complete.
Please note that this new signage isn’t the beginning of the construction phase. Construction of Marinus Link Stage 1 is expected to begin in 2026.
Upcoming engagement opportunities
We’re looking forward to seeing you out and about in the community this spring!
Burnie Show
- When: Friday, 4th October – 9am-5pm
- When: Saturday 5th October – 9am-5pm
- Where: Agriplex, 329 Ridgley Highway, Romaine
Wynyard Tulip Festival
- When: Saturday 12th October – 11am-5pm
- Where: Gutteridge Gardens, Wynyard
Burnie City Market
- When: Saturday 16th November – 8.30am-1pm
- Where: Plaza behind Marine Terrace Multistorey Carpark, Burnie
Wynyard Foreshore Market
- When: Sunday 17th November – 8am-2pm
- Where: East Wynyard Foreshore, Old Bass Hwy, Wynyard
Environmental assessment update
As Marinus Link crosses Tasmania, Victoria and Commonwealth waters, the project needs to be assessed and approved under the planning and environment laws relevant to each of the jurisdictions.
We aligned the Commonwealth and Victorian public exhibition periods, which were held from May to July this year. We are now planning for the Tasmanian public exhibition process for the Heybridge converter station and shore crossing’s environmental assessment documents.
What is being assessed?
- A Development Application (DA) under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the Tasmanian Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPC Act) have been prepared for the Heybridge converter station.
- An EIS has also been prepared under the EMPC Act for the Heybridge shore crossing.
- The DA will be assessed by the Burnie City Council and the EISs will be assessed by the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania.
These EISs address Tasmanian matters, identify potential impacts, and propose how the project plans to avoid, minimise or manage them.
When can I view the environmental assessment documents?
The EISs and DA will be on public exhibition in late 2024. During this time, we will hold drop-in sessions in Heybridge and Burnie to answer questions and provide information on the documents, the approvals process and how to make a submission.
We’ll keep you informed
Leading up to the public exhibition period, we will be sending out information and advertising our drop-in sessions and where you can view the EISs and DA. If you would like to be first in the know, sign up to our online mail list through our website – marinuslink.com.au/contact-us-2.